This band is still a mix of styles on this second 12″. Although there’s no apparent “hit” here, each song has a different signature; gloomy, rock’n’roll, metalish ballads, etc. And each is powerful in its own right. It’s a little hard to get hooked on these buys, but they’re good.
Five tunes, most of which are steeped in mid-period LED ZEP crap. Blues based self-important rock with lyrics about “babes” predominate.
Between bands like the MELVINS, U-MEN, GREEN RIVER, and now these guys, Washington is developing a “sound.” So if you’re into LED ZEP retreaded for the 80s, check into this.
First heard from on the Seattle sludge-rock compilation Deep Six. This is a sound that’s growing in popularity every day—a big, full rock sound. Not slick enough to warrant major label attention but powerful enough to grab punkers. See also JANE’S ADDICTION, GREEN RIVER, and SKINYARD.
Sub Pop is an innovative little magazine that deals intelligently with alternative American music, sort of a pint-sized version of its cousin OP. In place of the usual eclectic printed zine comes this equally eclectic aural zine. The variety of musical styles covered, in one sense a strength, also ensures that few will appreciate the entire LP. I love the ’60s garage punk of Wichita’s EMBARRASSMENT, the innovative guitar pop of DC’s NURSES, the powerful instrumental by Seattle’s PELL MELL, and Doug Kahn’s nastily edited version of a Reagan interview. The rest ranges from good post-punk, pop, and psychedelic to unlistenable art damage, but those interested in the best of the non-punk underground should look no further.
Smartly divided between the “guitar” side and the “machines” side, this sampler has a K-Tel greatest hits feel to it. Aside from a STEVE ALBINI spoken word track and songs by NAKED RAYGUN and the WIPERS, all of this is previously released. Still, it’s nice to have a listen to SONIC YOUTH, SCRATCH ACID, BOY DIRT CAR, and others all in one sitting.
